We talk about sex and sexuality

Topic #9: Handkerchief Code

So I’ve decided to get a head start on my topic. I originally came up with the idea for this topic after finding a YouTube channel and watching a video about this very topic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVx-T6btCpw After watching the video I wanted to learn more about it so now here we are with it being the topic for Him and Her to discuss.

So the topic is handkerchief code aka hanky code, bandana code, and flagging. For the remainder of the post I will be referring to it as flagging, since that is how the video referred to it as. But anyways, flagging is acolor-coded system, employed usually among thegay malecasual-sexseekers orBDSMpractitioners in theleather subculturein the United States, Canada, and Europe, to indicate preferredsexual fetishes, what kind of sex they are seeking, and whether they are top/dominantorbottom/submissive. The hanky code was widely used in the 1970s by gay and bisexualmen, and grew from there to include all genders andorientations.

Today, wearing color-codedhandkerchiefs(bandanas), usually in the back pocket or around the belt loop, is the manner in which communication of desires and fetishes is achieved. Wearing a handkerchief on the left side of the body typically indicates one is a “top” (one considered active in the practice of the fetish indicated by the color of the handkerchief), while wearing it on the right side of the body would indicate one is a “bottom” (one considered passive in the practice of the fetish indicated by the color of the handkerchief).

There is no universally understood color code, and regional codes vary widely.

So what are some of the color codes you might be asking? Well here is a website I found that has an extensive list, but remember, it may vary by region.

As you can see it is an extensive list, and who knows if this is what every region goes by, but just to give you an example there you go! I would be curious to see how many people actually use this system and if people actually remember them all!